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Exclusive: Jon Hamm says his name has come up in “a lot of superhero discussions”

Between his memorable stint in “Bridesmaids,” recent visit to “Saturday Night Live” and upcoming role in “Friends With Kids,” it’s sometimes hard to remember that Jon Hamm is best known for his role in AMC’s hit “Mad Men” instead of his comedic talents. But there was once a chance that the man better known as Don Draper would have been known for an even different role: Superman.

Back when Zack Snyder was casting his “Superman” reboot “Man of Steel,” one of the big rumors surrounding the project was that he wanted to cast an older Superman and that Hamm — who Snyder worked with on “Sucker Punch” — was in consideration for the title role. That was quickly shot down by none other than Hamm, and Snyder ended up going the alternate route and casting Henry Cavill as a younger Superman.

There definitely was an excited fan response when it was announced that Hamm was potentially in consideration for the superhero role, though. IFC got the chance to chat with Hamm while he was promoting “Friends With Kids,” out Friday, and he said that Superman wasn’t the only comic book role he’s been in consideration for.

“I’ve been offered my share of superhero movies, but I think I’ve aged out of that,” he said.

Hamm quickly regretted his choice of words, saying that he wasn’t so much “offered” the roles as he was discussed for them. But according to the “Mad Men” star, he has had quite a few opportunities to don spandex and have super powers, only he felt that none of them were the right fit.

“My name has come up in a lot of superhero discussions,” Hamm said. “It’s a tough thing, you know? It’s a tough game to get into. I have mad, crazy respect for the people that can pull it off because it’s something that can be done poorly so easily. But, you know, it’s a big commitment and it’s probably something that, unless it’s the right thing, it’s probably not so much my jam.”

We’ve already had one taste of what he would be like as a superhero thanks to the “Saturday Night Live” sketch “The Ambiguiously Gay Duo,” and we’ve got to admit that we were fans. Beyond the comic book genre, we asked Hamm if there was a type of film that he’d like to explore. He seemed undecided in his answer, and said that he doesn’t chose his projects based on a wish list of genres or actors.

“The only way I kind of choose material is is the material interesting to me and are the people involved with it people that inspire me in some way. And I think that in every case, with every project I’ve taken on, the answer to one or both of those questions has been yes,” he explained. “I will continue to do that, and that’s kind of just the way I pick stuff to do. I’ve been fortunate enough to never be like, ‘Well, I’ve got to do this one because I’ve got to pay the rent.’ And hopefully that will never be a deciding factor.”

What superhero would you like to see Hamm cast as? Tell us in the comments section below or on Facebook and Twitter.

The Best Of The Last

The end is near. In mere days Portlandia wraps up its final season, and oh what a season it’s been. Lucky for you, you can watch the entire season right now right here and on the IFC app, including this free episode courtesy of Subaru.

But now, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the new classics Fred and Carrie have so thoughtfully bestowed upon us. (We’ll be looking back through tear-blurred eyes, but you do you.)

Couples Dinner

It’s not that being single sucks, it’s that you suck if you’re single.

Cancel it!

A sketch for anyone who has cancelled more appointments than they’ve kept. Which is everyone.

Forgotten America

This one’s a “Serial” killer…everything both right and wrong about true crime podcasts.

Wedding Planners

The only bad wedding is a boring wedding.

Disaster Hut

It’s only the end of the world if your doomsday kit doesn’t include rosé.

Your Portlandia Personality Test

Carrie and Fred understand that although we have so much in common, we’re each so beautifully unique and different. To help us navigate those differences, Portlandia has found an easy and honest way to embrace our special selves in the form of a progressive new traffic system: a specific lane for every kind of driver. It’s all in honor of the show’s 8th and final season, and it’s all presented by Subaru.

Ready to find out who you really are? Match your personality to a lane and hop on the expressway to self-understanding.

Lane 10: Trucks Piled With Junk

Your junk is falling out of your trunk. Shake a tail light, people — this lane is for you.

Lane 33: Twins

You’re like a Gemini, but waaaay more pedestrian. Maybe you and a friend just wear the same outfits a lot. Who cares, it’s just twinning enough to make you feel special.

Lane 27: Broken Windows

Bad luck follows you around and everyone knows it. Your proverbial seat is always damp from proverbial rain. Is this the universe telling you to swallow your pride? Yes.

Lane 69: Filthy Cars

You’re all about convenience. Getting your car washed while you drive is a no-brainer.

Lane 43: Newly Divorced Singles

It’s been a while since you’ve driven alone, and you don’t know the rules of the road anymore. What’s too fast? What’s too slow? Are you sending the right signals? Don’t worry, the breakdown lane is nearby if you need it.

Still can’t find a lane to match your personality? Check out all the videos here. And see the final season of Portlandia this spring on IFC.

Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the final countdown to Christmas and thanks to IFC’s movie marathon all Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can revel in classic ’80s films AND find inspiration for your last-minute gifts. Here are our recommendations, if you need a head start:

Musical Instrument

Great analog entertainment substitute when you refuse to give your kid the Nintendo Switch they’ve been drooling over.

Breakfast In Bed

Any significant other or child would appreciate these Uncle Buck-approved flapjacks. Just make sure you’re not stuck on clean up duty.

Cocktail Supplies

You’ll need them to get through the holidays.

Dance Lessons

So you can learn to shake-shake-shake (unless you know ghosts willing to lend a hand).

Comfy Clothes

With all the holiday meals, there may be some…embigenning.

Get even more great inspiration all Christmas Eve and Day on IFC, and remember…